Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

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"Quiet" is the "Sunday Times" and "New York Times" bestseller by Susan Cain that champions the introvert and explains why this personality type is so important in society. Our lives are driven by a fact that most of us can't name and don't understand. It defines who our friends and lovers are, which careers we choose, and whether we blush when we ...Read More"Quiet" is the "Sunday Times" and "New York Times" bestseller by Susan Cain that champions the introvert and explains why this personality type is so important in society. Our lives are driven by a fact that most of us can't name and don't understand. It defines who our friends and lovers are, which careers we choose, and whether we blush when we're embarrassed. That fact is whether we're an introvert or an extrovert. The introvert/extrovert divide is the most fundamental dimension of personality. And at least a third of us are on the introverted side. Some of the world's most talented people are introverts. Without them we wouldn't have the Apple computer, the theory of relativity and Van Gogh's sunflowers. Yet extroverts have taken over. Shyness, sensitivity and seriousness are often seen as being negative. Introverts feel reproached for being the way they are. In "Quiet", Susan Cain shows how the brain chemistry of introverts and extroverts differs, and how society misunderstands and undervalues introverts. She gives introverts the tools to better understand themselves and take full advantage of their strengths. Passionately argued, superbly researched, and filled with real stories, "Quiet" will permanently change how we see introverts - and how you see yourself. "I can't get "Quiet" out of my head. It is an important book - so persuasive and timely and heartfelt it should inevitably effect change in schools and offices". (Jon Ronson, "The Guardian"). "Susan Cain's "Quiet" has sparked a quiet revolution. In our booming culture, hers is a still, small voice that punches above its weight. Perhaps rather than sitting back and asking people to speak up, managers and company leaders might lean forward and listen". (Megan Walsh, "The Times"). ""Quiet is a very timely book, and Cain's central thesis is fresh and important. Maybe the extrovert ideal is no longer as powerful as it was; perhaps it is time we all stopped to listen to the still, small voice of calm". (Daisy Goodwin, "The Sunday Times"). "A startling, important, and readable page-turner". (Naomi Wolf, author of "The Beauty Myth"). "Mark my words, this book will be a bestseller". (Guy Kawasaki, author of "Enchantment"). Susan Cain is the owner of The Negotiation Company, a firm that trains people in negotiation and communication skills. Her clients include Merrill Lynch, Standard & Poor, University of Chicago Business School and many of the US' most powerful law firms. She previously practiced corporate law for seven years with Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton. She lives in New York with her husband and two sons.Read Less

Customer Reviews

Introverts Affirmation

What a powerful book about the power of an introvert in a world that can't stop talking!! My sister sent me the info with a note that said: They have finally written a book about me." I have sent it to others who have basically said the same thing. A great read!

Louise L

Aug 18, 2014

Find yourself

Perhaps when you have been with a group of extroverts for a day, or several days, you simply have to get OUT. You need to be alone. You need to think about your own thoughts, and not need to share.

That's a quick way to investigate your own mind. If that is how you feel you are an introvert. Otherwise you are an extrovert, needing others to share with, needing new ideas, needing things that just don't make any sense but let you laugh.

There are other ways, and the book will dip much deeper, but the words above are a good start.

I call this a five star.

Louise L

Ruth S

Jun 12, 2014

Great book for introverts and extraverts alike with much relevant information for all of us. Counters prevailing assumptions that the best course of action is always the one put forward first and loudest. Let's all listen to the quiet ones among us.

jjares

Jul 20, 2013

An Awesome Book:

This is an incredible book; totally validating for those of us who are introverts. Cain?s research is exhaustive and illustrated that this wasn?t some psychobabble by a new theorist.

Cain takes the historical approach to ?how America turned into the land of the Extrovert.? In fact, business and industry has turned it into the ideal.

After explaining the differences between the introvert and the extrovert in the light of the latest psychological and neuroscience research, Cain shows what the introvert brings to the table. Everyone in business doesn?t have to be an extrovert ? and Cain proves it through real-life examples.

I feel the strongest part of the book is the light she places on introverted children and how to help them accept their differences, help them strategize their difficulties (classrooms are mostly set up for group activities; this constant togetherness is hard on introverted children) and become successful people.

Cain also spends time with parents, helping them understand how they can help their introverted children to shine. She gives examples of extroverted parents with introverted children and extroverted children with introverted parents. I only wish this book were around when I was a kid; my aunt constantly took my book away and made me ?go out and have fun.?

I feel that Cain?s message is uplifting: Even though Americans are mostly extroverts, introverts can make their mark by accepting their unique gifts and giving themselves the quiet time they need to think.

alexillinois

Apr 18, 2013

A very informative read

This was one very fascinating book, particularly the first half. Finally an explanation for "white coat syndrome" and other anomalies that have plaqued me throughout my life.
The book also explores recent scientific evidence that working in groups is not necessarily the best way to solve problems--and open office plans are not the best way to maximize employee productivity. I'm looking for more books like this, where the science of introverts is written in a conversational manner.

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